Train and bus workers are set to strike on the SAME day in the run up to Christmas.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Workers union (RMT) has today announced that it will hold a 24-hour strike on Friday December 22.

The strikes will also coincide with “Mad Friday” - the day most office workers will be celebrating Christmas with their colleagues.

Currently, this will coincide with one of the scheduled days that Arriva bus workers will also hold a strike - which could lead to major disruption across the region.

Talks are ongoing to bring an end to the long-running bus strikes, but as things stand there has been no agreement and the double strike is on.

The rail strike is the latest action in a year-long battle between the RMT union and Merseyrail over the planned introduction of driver-operated trains, which are set to arrive on the network from 2020 onwards.

The Arriva bus strikes are continuing (Image: Liverpool Echo)

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The new trains will lead to the removal of 220 on-board guard roles, which the union says are “safety critical.”

Merseyrail has guaranteed an extra member of staff on board services after 8pm and has offered all staff new positions on their same pay rates, but the RMT says it will continue to strike until a commitment is made for an extra staff member on all trains.

Arriva bus strikes have been taking place over the past few months as part of a row over pay.

Announcing the latest strikes, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The fact that we have been unable to make any progress whatsoever with the company means we have no option but to put this action on and the blame lies with Merseyrail and their political supporters.”

A spokesman for Merseyrail said: ‘This strike just before Christmas is timed to take place at the busiest time of the year, with people out Christmas-shopping, attending festive events, and many commuters still going to work before the holiday period starts.

"As on previous strike days, we will endeavour to provide as many trains as possible, and timetable details will be disclosed over the next week or so.

"We are keen to see an end to this dispute. At the request of the metro mayor, Merseyrail has agreed to independent conciliation with the RMT, with no pre-conditions."